The GNO Month and the Weekend Transport

This month has been a month of fun Friday's. A family member and friend have planned out the past three Friday nights and had a blast. We saw "RENT" at the beautiful Waterbury Palace Theatre. Then the next week to a charity fashion show. Miss Connecticut, Heidi Voigt was there and can I tell you she is a lovely lady, country singer, and all around fun person. This past Friday was a wine tasting for the benefit of the New Milford Mammography Program. Just a great way to bring in summer. The yard is looking great and Spring is definitely here with the return of my allergies. Funny how I didn't really have a issue with them in Georgia of all places.

Back to work today. I am trying desperately to fight the Spring Fever and go for a long walk with the puppies. They deserve it as I abandoned them yesterday to do a transport for the American Brittany Rescue. Attached are some pictures of the puppies that are now in foster care with the organization. I have to say Miss Tansy is a doll! (Pictured above ) This is Shasta below. ..

http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org/

In Memory of the First Amendment

I am drawn to re-write the lyrics to the Don McLean song "American Pie". Yesterday, the first amendment died. As I type this on Friday the 13th, the date sticks in my head. Finding out that the "right" thing to do is fire a man with a long term career over a fire storm on a slow news day. Yes, he had an error in judgement and said the wrong thing that was awful, nasty, and hurtful. Sexism and Racism should not have a place in society. However, until we reach that utopian society, I am afraid a lot worse is said daily.

When it is uttered, we would hope that the person in error would conduct themselves the way Mr. Imus did. He has apologized. As a result, I see him as a man willing to admit his mistakes, own up to the responsibility and ask how to make it right. It seems that tries to use his fame and privilege of position to raise money for children... I am confused.

I am also grateful I don't have to explain this to my kids. I feel for any parent that is having to explain the entire situation to a child. Here is the Aesop solution to this Fable:

Sometimes doing the right thing frees you from the constraints of a morally corrupt system, but damages the communities ability to have the freedom it deserves.

Freedom of Speech and the Press is officially dead. Long live the freedom of consumerism and to be a coward.

So here is my attempt at the obituary:

The first amendment was conceived along with its' nine other amendments in September 1789 when the congress approved their adoption to the Constitution. Being born in 1791 after the ratification of the States, they have become the most quoted and recognized parts of the Constitution in the 216 years of existence.

Yesterday, the First Amendment finally succumbed to it injuries and illnesses from it life time. It is not clear how many of the rest of the Bill of Rights are still really in existence. Services will be a private matter and donations can be made the Imus Ranch in New Mexico.

http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm

Slippery slope ... free speech?

I written several other blog posts about the Imus situation. I have deleted them as I was concerned about the message that was next to my name. I think Imus made a mistake and said something that wasn't funny and hurtful. Just like Stern, Opie and Anthony and others do every day. Have I been offended by blond and degrading comments regarding female anatomy on these radio programs, absolutely. I find Howard Stern to be obnoxious. By the same point, I kind of like O & A. If they have a radio bit on I don't like, guess what! I change the channel.

Nothing in the statement was against the FCC regulations (to my knowledge). He used language that is commonly used in the community that is railing against him in music and common day vernacular.

Free speech is a right. He should only be fired if:

1) He violated the terms of his contract with CBS and MSNBC
2) His ratings drop and that is in accordance with his contract with his employers.

This is a bit different than arrangement most people have with their employers. He has a contract with his employer and most people work at the pleasure of their employer. (Right to Work States)

For example, if it is against your company's policy to use office equipment for personal use, the following are offense that would justify discharge:

• Sending personal emails
• Visiting web sites for non work related activity (are you reading this at work)
• Using the copy machine to photocopy filers for your personal training side business (Yup, this has happened)
• Making personal phone calls on company telephone lines

So, If Imus violated his contract. Dismissal may be appropriate. (oh btw, he will probably be paid the balance of his contract without working as with Opie and Anthony). Mr. Imus apologized and that should stand for something. He admitted he was wrong, tried to make amends for it, and probably has learned his lesson.

If you really think Don Imus should be fired, what have you said in jest (your mind) that could have been taken wrong, hurt co-workers and caused you to be dismissed?

US Constitution, Bill of Rights....

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances

Wednesday's Child is full of Woe....

Yesterday was one of those day's I should have either stayed in bed and pulled the covers over my head and said, " Today was not meant for me" or Seized the day and decided to have it be an anti technology day. Of course with the second choice, I probably would have sprained my ankle on mile 3 of a five mile hike or Seamus would have gotten away or the Quiznos Coyote would have decided I was lunch.

I will give you a quick sample of the three things that should have given me pause:

1) Woke up at 4 Am with my previous night's dinner causing upper GI pain. Honestly, this is an incredibly rare thing for me and usually with a pepperoni pizza not a quiche.

2) Finally got a call back from a client that said, not now check back in two months. Totally surprised me. Well, I shouldn't have been in retrospect at least it wasn't no and this does follow their buying habits that coincide with their fiscal year. (This was made better later in the day when I heard a former customer of theirs bashing the heck out of their customer service). Internal giggle.

3) Received a call from a wife of one of my husband's former racing buddies. They came to our wedding and complained the entire time they were there ... even to my Maid of Honour about the accommodations they chose! I had reserved them a suite in the nicest b &b in town not the ski motel they decided to stay in. I haven't talked to this woman since the wedding ... I think. However, we have been on each other's Christmas card list. Monday, I mailed to everyone on the Christmas card list a pre-printed change of address card. In the truest form of the "ME" and 1980's new money society, I obviously had sent this to her exclusively. Sorry babe... I thought twice about even bothering. She called to inform me that she and her husband were separated and had been for three years. She didn't know where he lived, he wasn't riding, he had other issues, and only cared that he made the mortgage payment and sent her money to live on. ( I believe their residence would be valued over the million dollar mark). Say it with me people " GOLD DIGGER" ... I nicely asked for her personally... seemed like the "lady" had been going through a rough time. By the end of the call, I simple said... " I can understand that you have been going through a tough time and hearing from your husband's friends is troubling. I will save you the grief and remove you from my address book and mailing list, best of luck to you and your dogs." I will be more than happy to testify to this conversation if they ever do get divorced. Quite frankly, handing her over 1/2 would make me not want to provide her my address either.

Let's just say the day when down hill from there...

Weekend in Review ..

This weekend we did a lot around the new homestead. One of the faucets in the master bedroom drips. Duchess thinks it is her personal water fountain. We think it is annoying at 2 AM. So off to Home Depot for the necessary supplies.. along with the required rakes, light bulbs, pansies, and a shelf for the laundry room to get the bleach and detergent out of the formal living room, and picture hangers.

We were standing in the bath room fixture aisle having DeJa Vu. I couldn't help thinking it might not be the last time buy them either. Remodeling that bathroom will be on the agenda at some point.

Question, if you were a restaurant today and on a Saturday night you had two tables occupied... would you continue to think not taking plastic was a good idea?

End result is a trip to Costco, Home Depot, car washed, ride in for JB, lots of stuff knocked off the to do list. Next weekend is Easter.. hop hop

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble .... It will be May and Bathing Suit Trouble!

Witch 1" When Shall we three meet again... In thunder, Lightning, or in Rain?"

Witch 2 "When the Hurlyburly's done, When the battle's lost and won."

Witch 3 " That will be ere the set of sun."

Act I, Scene i - MacBeth, William Shakespeare....

Have I gone off my rocker? Nope, I just realized that Memorial Day, Bathing Suits, Sleeveless tops, and shorts are 8 weeks away... (insert music from any Hitchcock movie).

The second realization is that I have been writing this blog for close to ten months and I still haven't found a way or the sustained motivation to kick butt with getting in shape. I do think I am eating better. However, motivating to exercise is my biggest challenge. I am not sure why?

I guess I will get my legs in gear and go for a walk after our sales meeting today. One, it will clear my head and two put some mileage on my feet. As I have said before, I step forward and 2 back.

Fairtax.org

I spent last night doing our 2006 taxes... Or at least pulling the information together into a spreadsheet for our CPA. (Who is terrific if anyone wants a referral in Georgia, Robert Skinner, CPA). I, like many in the States, put this off each year as a dreaded task.

I do prepare all year by throwing receipts into the "Yearly Tax Folder" to be kept safe until the day each year I pull them out to sort into Client expenses, charity giving, office expenses/home office deductions, investment income etc. Each year, I curse myself saying ... I know I gave more to charity... where is that damn receipt!!!

The last two years it has been even more tasking as I have been educated to the "FAIRTAX PROGRAM". A radio talk jock on WSB in Atlanta, Neal Boortz, is one of the prime promoters to this bill that has been introduced into the US Congress year after year. While our elected representatives boast they want to overhaul the tax code, most of them are .. well... Sissies! There! I typed it. It takes guts to say, abolish the IRS. The fact many IRS agents agree this is a fairer and better system is proof this can work! I was against it. I didn't understand how this would work. Real estate values would drop. I would be paying more ... 25% more every time I bought something, went to the doctor, or ordered something online Yikes!! That is a tough pill for a Republican.. but I continued to listen after all, Neal is a Libertarian and somewhat more conservative than Attila the Hun.

Well, I discovered a couple of interesting points. Take out that W2. Total up the amount of tax you paid last year to the State, Federal government, social security, medicare etc. What is the percentage of your income? Mine came to about 26% but that was in Georgia. I am scared to do it in CT.

Now, think about who doesn't pay that percentage but uses a ton of the services you just paid for and by the way you have worked for exclusively this week as we have hit tax freedom day yet.

• Illegal immigrants


• Criminals (drug dealers, pimps, thieves, etc)


• Tax evaders (including some very proper business people that think it beneath them to pay .. taxes - Yes, I am talking about GS.


• Foreign tourists (that stay for ever)

And the list goes on...

There is clear documentation that moving to a federal flat sales tax will also solve the social security issue. Check it out at Fairtax.org or read John Linder & Neal Boortz's book The Fair Tax Book" - Very - short, funny, and mind changing.

Blogging Pulpit

Mr. B and I have been trying to plan a couple of days after my next conference to see his parents and to take a couple of days vacation on a beach. Since my airfare is covered, it all makes sense. How do we go about doing this? Well, the first thought was the Keys. I have never been there and tis himself hasn't ventured out there in close to 30 years.

We researched a couple of great places on line. I decided to see what might be going on in Key West those couple of days. Guess What!! That seems to be "Pride Week". Perhaps, we would be better off going out to the keys another time. I put away the Hemingway novels I had thought about reading.

Next idea, I am a gorgeous resort for our event... why not just stay on there? Himself read the reviews.... yikes .. The reviews on Tripadvisor and epinnions were not so great. So my question is..... DO YOU BOTHER TO RATE PLACES AND EXPERIENCES THAT ARE GOOD?

I am guilty .. I don't. I only use the "Blogging pulpit" many times for ranting about horrid restaurants, experiences, bad customer service, and more.

As I was sitting here, I wanted to share a recent great experience. I have been shopping for new places since the move. A new drycleaner, groomer, nail salon, liquor store, carpet installer, you name it .. We need to find it all over again.

Kudos to the following:

• Tiffany Nails - Great people, awesome value, and clean
• Kovac Carpet - Family business, on time, great advice, and good follow up (they install the runner on the stairs tomorrow
• Ne Jaime Beverages - Have an email newsletter, invited me to a tasting, and have a charity wine tasting event to help buy mammogram machines for the New Milford Hospital.
• Village Green Drycleaners - Have a bin to recycle wire hangers and the plastic, tons of coupons and very welcoming staff

The difference may be I ask questions. I ask politely for recommendations and I tend to like to do business with locals rather than large chains if possible or I just shop the Internet. It was difficult to do this in Georgia with the multitude of strip malls and chains.. but some great local businesses are:

• The Biscuit (homemade biscuits open mornings Wednesday - Saturday - cash only)
• Rose Cottage - Home Decor and gifts
• The Big Shanty Barbershop - my dad loved that place

Okay... that is enough "Do Gooding for the Day"

Vernal Equinox

I was about to attribute the line " Spring has Sprung" to ee cummings. However, it a quick quote search, I discovered it is part of an unknown poet's words.. I checked my Bartlett's quotations. Published in 1937.. that didn't help.

If you noticed the comment on my posting about my Vegas trip, my darling friends in Atlanta are reminding me that the gardens I spent 4 years planting, weeding, bark mulching and paying for have begun to bloom. The wild bradford pears in the common land and along Hackamatack are in full bloom. The azaleas are ready to burst with pinks and pomegranate colours.





On St. Paddy's day, we receive over 10 inches of white stuff and not the petals from the pear trees. We didn't get out to conduct our plans until after 3PM when we were plowed out. Mr. B was beside himself. As St. Paddy's day on a Saturday doesn't happen too too often.





So technically, tomorrow may be the Vernal Equinox. However, it may be April before the flowers signal spring. The original quote and poem seem to be unknown. So I will leave you with thoughts of Spring with this....

"If we had no Winter, the spring would not be so pleasant;

If we did not sometimes taste the adversity,

prosperity would not be so welcome."

Anne Bradstreet

Cead Mille Failte!!!

It is St. Patrick's Day ... or the last work day prior to it. I love St. Paddy's day. Here is Seamus dressed up (for Halloween) as my little leprechaun! Oh.. and is he ever....

Cheers and Slainte to all!

Branny

What happens in Vegas - Ain't Staying There!!!

I am still recovering from my recent trip to Sin City this week for my company's inaugural "C 2.0 Conference / C20". Not for the reasons so many visitors have returning from the LV. Being part of the conference production team is always a challenge. You are up and working prior to your audience and leaving conference floor long after the audience is off having fun at a variety of activities. I have been working at events like this since 2000. I love it! For the first time, I have been able to get honest feedback from the audience, attendees and our sponsors.

Why do you say? Because they have been blogging their hearts out!! We have been able to read opinions, feedback, and comments. That haven't been written on the conference survey forms for just a few to read. They have put it out into the atmosphere for everyone to read. They are posting pictures as well on Flickr.

You will never understand how wonderful it is to be able to read these blogs. Am I tired! Yes, I am exhausted as are my team mates. Half of them are off to do it all over again for our EA Community and Conference next week in New Orleans. Bless their hearts!

Moreover, I am beaming. I learned a ton about communities, blogs, tagging, photo sharing, and the benefits to business along with the challenges and bogs to avoid.

We are becoming a more interwoven fabric of society with the new technology. The "me" society is being heard and is developing into a "We" - hence the "we are smarter" project.

I feel like the last couple of months has been a roller coaster ride with the event. I didn't know what to expect. Their was a ton of ups and downs and corkscrews. The end result was a great ride and I can't wait to be back in line to do it again! WEEEEEE...........

So if you are in the business of selling community and web 2.0 services and products, get ready. I will be calling you shortly to discuss how to reach this passionate audience of enterprise individuals wanting to bring communities to their customers.

http://www.futureofcommunities.com/2007/03/13/community-20-conference-discussion/

ps. Aaron, I tagged this and outed myself.

and now a word from Boomer ....

Stacy P sent this to me. I did it and it is simple and not a information grabbing experience. Stacy has witnessed this first hand as a social worker in Boston, New York and San Francisco. She is my resident social issues queen. So happy clicking

You probably never thought of this, but women's shelters in the U.S. go through thousands of tampons and pads monthly. Assistance agencies generally help with expenses of "everyday"necessities such as toilet paper, diapers, and clothing, but one of the most BASIC needs is overlooked - feminine hygiene products. "Every month" necessities seem to have fallen throughthe…ahem - well, they've been overlooked Seventh Generation, a green paper products and cleaning products company, has a do-good attitude and will donate a box of>sanitary> > > >products to a women's shelter in your chosen state - just for clicking the link (or copying and pasting). Talk about easy, and, yes, it is legitimate!http://www.tampontification.com/donate.php

Thanks for helping out. Please pass this on.

Interesting Search engine

Hey, did you know about www.goodsearch.com ? Everytime you are tempted to "google" something.... check out the above link. They donate to a charity of your choice each time you use them. Am I giving up Googling? Nope, I just try and balance it with goodsearch. My searching pennies are going to the American Brittany Rescue. There are scads of charities and schools on it.

So when you are feeling down and are tempted to google something ... remember good search.

Introducing the Duchess of Brannydoon!

Well, I haven't mentioned the Duchess as she was under house arrest in the townhouse. We were limited to two pets. Now, I have never heard of anyone getting busted for indoor cat that didn't impact anyone, given the issues with the dogs, she was "Clandestine Kitty" for 9 months. She wasn't mentioned in the blog as a result.

This is her coming out entry !! Duchess was adopted by Annie and I from the Bedford NH Animal Shelter in November of 1998. I think the staff thought I was nuts because I insisted on bringing Annie into the interview room. I wanted to make sure they got along. She is a dog loving cat. Duchess is not as friendly with her own kind.

She, along with her canine brother and sister, are loving being in the new house. The human care takers are as well. The move went smooth. We had a bit of a rough period with the furnace and a getting a part but all is well and we are slowly going to make it our own. The impulse is to rush out and order curtains, new lighting fixtures etc. We are forcing ourselves to live in the space for a time to figure out what right for the next 20 years. There you have it! You can start placing bets now.

Winston wanted to Chime in !!!

I received an email from Winston's mommy saying that He too was a Shelter puppy! Here is another Brittany face that can't and won't be refused anything. Including getting a cousin named, Seamus!! Oh... and a cookie please!

Oodles of Poodles and A Challenge from Seamus!!!

Last night, it seems to be the year of the poodle with winning the Non Sporting and the Toy group. My Cairn terrier and the lovable Mastiff lost out. I do have a former nephew that was a Japanese Akita. Santos was a brilliant, lovable and loyal companion that was 16 years old when he passed. My co-worker has a Black Standard Poodle, Charlie. Picture attached. He is terrific and a son to them in his own right. I understand he is currently courting a yellow lab in his play group. Luck bitch!

Okay, well here is the challenge.... Last night, it was disclosed 1 in 15 dogs are in shelters. Pedigree dog food is matching all contributions to the American Humane Society made through this web site in February. I challenge all of you to make a donation. Most people that read my blog have dogs in their lives. Milo, Charlie, Charley, Aubie, Winston, Sidney, Olive, Ruby, Tucker, Skye, Bruiser, Ruger, Princess and many more. Seamus was in a shelter, a kill shelter, prior to American Brittany pulling him out. He asks you to make a donation which will be matched dollar for dollar to the Humane Society. Turn your 10.25, 50 or more into 20,50.100 or well ...you get it.

Here is the link...

https://secure2.convio.net/aha/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1701&JServSessionIdr001=sbl73pb2z2.app25a

It is tax deductible. If you vowed to do more charity work this year, here is a way to start. Look at this face? How could you say no?

Westminister Dog Show !!!

It is finally here. For the past 10 years, Annie and I cuddle on the bed or sofa and watch the dog show with a big bucket of popcorn to share. Yup, she watches it. Go Golden's and Brittany's!!!

I am also routing for the Cavalier King Charles, the Cairn Terrier, and the Mastiff. Let the games begin! This is my super bowl.

My Winter Haiku

Frozen Solid Feet

Sun Teases Spring's Arrival

Groundhog please be right

________________________________________________________

Vertical snow pile

Seamus' winter toliet

Screw the condo board

And today's word is "Frigid"

Seamus, we aren't in Georgia any more! Yikes! It is a balmy 5 degrees with a wind chill. I just spoke with my Canadian colleagues and it is approaching Absolute zero with the windchill outside of Toronto.

We finally had a significant dusting of snow on Friday that is still with us. Seamus is loving the new verticals to take aim at on walks. Annie and I did errands on Saturday and then stopped at the dog park so she could play in the snow. For a dog with arthritis, she sure kicked up her heels and had a blast playing with her friend, Bosco the chocolate lab. Annie has always had a thing for Chocolate labs... don't ask me why. There was Boomer in Milford, Kelab in Haverhill, and Bosco in Connecticut.

We spent the weekend doing a whole lot of nothing. We hired movers so there is not a lot to do. I have already gone through the closets and organized stuff when we were getting ready to sell. It is a waiting game. I think I am going to have to move the computer upstairs. I am beginning to lose the feeling in my toes.

Describing your Utopia daily

Sharing my URL with several old friends recently, I have repeatedly been told they love reading my "bitch sessions" or "rants". I question whether the public diary of my thoughts and positions is more than wanting the world to revolve around my view of the world. This is my view of Brannydoon and Utopia.

A world where Conservative financial governance, fair and equal pet treatment to children, and that it rains Coach bags once a month. Oh.. and French fries are truly a healthy snack.

It ain't going to happen people. It is a world of celebration and disappointments. Wins, losses, draws, and pure luck. I realize that if I got my wish ... there would be consequences. There is always a price to pay. Is blogging simply the new version of tilting at windmills?

In my dealings with individuals caught up in this public diarrhea personal self importance on the Internet, I find a strain of socialism that makes the hair on my neck stand at attention. My comfort food in all this is that capitalism and the drive for the Almighty Benjamins seems to break through and rise to the surface as a dominate player. The crack dealer on the playground is more than willing to give away a few hits. Then once the hook is set,... finds a way to monetize your addiction. How do you see this happening in the new generation of you on the Internet? By reading this, you are now part of it. Welcome.... You might as well chime in because the community around you is setting the standards and rules of engagement.